Galli grabs Peugeot drive for Corsica

The Italian will drive a Pirelli-funded Bozian Racing Peugeot 307 WRC.

With Mitsubishi pulling its factory team out of the WRC in 2006, Galli joined the many top line drivers struggling to find a new seat during the winter.

He drove a Ralliart Italy Mitsubishi in Monte Carlo and Sweden, taking fourth in the latter event, but had been pessimistic about his chances of continuing the season.

At present, the Pirelli Peugeot deal is for Corsica only.

"Entering them in a Peugeot 307 CC for the Tour de Corse, Pirelli Competizioni confirms the confidence it has in Gigi Galli and (co-driver) Giovanni Bernacchini," said Pirelli's competition director Paul Hembery.

"Based on their performance in the past driving a Mitsubishi, we are of the opinion that, even driving a car new to him, Galli has the talent to also shine in Corsica.

"We are evaluating if and how we can extend this collaboration in the future."

"Obviously I would like to thank Pirelli for the support it is offering myself and Bernacchini to continue to compete at a top level," Galli said.

"It will certainly not be easy to debut in such a special rally as Corsica, but I think I can do well."

Galli finished ninth in Corsica last year.